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Walnut
#773F1A · click to copy
Earth
HEX
#773F1A
RGB
119, 63, 26
CMYK
0%, 47%, 78%, 53%
Pigment
NBr8
Lightfastness
Poor to Moderate (III) — walnut ink fades in UV; stable in protected conditions
Moods & Keywords
rich
wood
dark
warm
brown
Pigment & Material
NBr8
Natural
Walnut ink is literally pressed from walnut husks — one of the oldest organic brown inks. In paint, burnt sienna + raw umber + a touch of black.
Origin & History
Walnut ink has been used as a writing and drawing medium since at least the medieval period. It was particularly valued for sepia-toned drawings and manuscript work. Leonardo da Vinci is believed to have used walnut ink in some of his notebooks. The ink's warm brown tone — slightly cooler than sepia — gives drawings a characteristic quality distinct from iron gall (black) or sepia (warmer brown) inks.
Also Known As
Walnut Brown
Noce
Bistre (related)
Walnut Ink
Psychology
Warm, botanical, and intimate. Walnut is earth that has been processed through a living thing — the chemical transformation of juglone through the walnut tree creates a brown that feels more alive than mineral earth colours. Associated with autumn walks, stained fingers, and the particular pleasure of making your own art materials from the natural world.
In Culture
The walnut tree (Juglans regia — "royal nut of Jove") was considered sacred in ancient Rome. Walnut wood became one of the most prized furniture and gunstock materials in European craft tradition. The staining power of walnut husks — used to dye wool, tan skin, and stain wood — made it a practical craft material across cultures. Contemporary natural ink makers have revived walnut ink production as part of a broader interest in traditional art materials.
Natural Sources
Green walnut husks (Juglans regia, J. nigra) contain juglone (5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone) — a powerful natural brown-black dye. The same compound makes walnuts stain fingers deeply brown — a stain notoriously difficult to remove.
Making It Yourself
Walnut ink (traditional method):
1. Collect green walnut husks (the outer green casing before the shell)
2. Simmer in water for 2–4 hours
3. Strain through fine cloth
4. Reduce by further simmering to desired concentration
5. Add a few drops of vinegar (preservative) and a drop of clove oil (fungicide)
6. Add gum arabic for body
Result: a rich, warm brown ink that writes beautifully and stains permanently.
Note: will stain hands and clothing — work carefully.
1. Collect green walnut husks (the outer green casing before the shell)
2. Simmer in water for 2–4 hours
3. Strain through fine cloth
4. Reduce by further simmering to desired concentration
5. Add a few drops of vinegar (preservative) and a drop of clove oil (fungicide)
6. Add gum arabic for body
Result: a rich, warm brown ink that writes beautifully and stains permanently.
Note: will stain hands and clothing — work carefully.
Art Movements
Renaissance Drawing
Medieval Manuscript Ink
Victorian Botanical Illustration
Famous Works
Leonardo da Vinci
some drawings in walnut ink
Medieval manuscripts
walnut-based inks
Victorian natural history illustrations
Available As
Daniel Smith — Walnut Ink (NBr8)
Winsor & Newton — Burnt Umber (similar tone)
Natural: walnut husks available from specialty natural dye suppliers
Note: genuine walnut ink can be made at home from autumn walnut husks
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Colour data compiled with AI. Spot an error or have more to add? Leave a Note — ekphra reviews and updates.
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